Chocobo GP made me realise how great of a game Chocobo Racing is. The new graphics and online component are indeed cool but 1999's racer is simply more fun with its challenging gameplay, unique tracks, and tighter controls. In fact, I think I'll boot it up now.
Legend of Ixtona is a solid SRPG that genre newcomers and nostalgic old farts like me can equally enjoy. From its simple yet satisfying battles to its interesting equipment acquisition mechanics, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained.
Time Loader is a wonderful game that's set in a beautifully-presented miniature world. It may have some gameplay issues later in its campaign but the amount of fun that you'll have unraveling the story as you solve puzzles still makes for a good time overall.
I found Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden's story to be stronger than the first's yet when it comes to gameplay; it doesn't do much to make it feel fresh. It has me wondering how many of these titles there will be and how well future installments will hold up.
Triangle Strategy masterfully accomplishes its blend of rewarding SRPG gameplay and engaging choice-driven story. If you're a fan of narrative-heavy games and tactical grid-based battles then it's a must-have game.
I didn't expect to love GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon as much as I did. As a revival of an old game that not many folks are aware of, it does an excellent job of offering a modern and challenging roguelike experience. I hope to see many more games like this.
Moto Roader MC is one super-fun hidden gem from the TurboGrafx library and it's fantastic that more chums can enjoy this classic racer on modern consoles. Keep in mind, though, that it isn't quite as fun while playing solo as it is racing with friends.
Although I still find the original Dark Souls to be FromSoftware's magnum opus, Elden Ring is an undeniably amazing game. At the end of the day, it's sure to delight most Souls veterans but it probably won't convert many non-fans.
Even as a huge fan of the series, I'm still in disbelief how incredible of a game Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is. It's so jam-packed with outstanding gameplay and irresistible charm that it has single-handedly become the new gold standard for JRPGs.
Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes is the best indie surprise of the year so far. Its combination of pinball action, strategic roguelike structure, and cartoony goofiness is just great for anyone who loves having fun with their video games.
I'm happy that Hatsune Miku is keeping her puzzle game offerings strong as Connecting Puzzle TAMAGOTORI is surely one to check out.
Swapping tiles as you gradually build paths with coloured yarn is a hypnotising formula that Kittens and Yarn accomplishes just right.
With lots of levels to master and clever complexities that get introduced along the way, Treasure Temples is quite a fulfilling puzzle game.
Super Toy Cars Offroad is a delightful racer that's unexpectedly albeit impressively challenging. Even though it can be frustrating at times for various reasons, the variety of events and detailed tracks will keep you entertained for hours of miniature racing fun.
I'm quite happy that we finally have an official port of this 16-bit beat 'em up gem. Although River City Girls Zero isn't as fun as River City Ransom or its modern sequels, it's still an exciting brawler with a rather engaging story to boot.
Infernax is an authentic retro experience and for that, I commend it. However, it could have gone from good to great if more work went into fleshing out its game world, tweaking its stiff controls, and ironing out its severe technical issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed OlliOlli World, especially the fact that its gameplay remains instinctual yet challenging which allows anyone to have fun whether you merely want to skate or aim for the top of the leaderboards. Plus, its trippy visuals and music are spot-on.
Rise of the Third Power is an excellent old-school RPG that manages to feel fresh and exciting. Intermittent pacing issues aside, this is one adventure that you'll thoroughly enjoy so grab a bottle of booze, kidnap a princess, and save the land from an encroaching war.
As far as indie 2D platformers go, Super Onion Boy 2 is certainly one of the better ones with its simple yet varied gameplay and adorable game world. If it were less linear and included a run button, I'd consider it to be an excellent game.
I love Grapple Dog so much that I hope to see Pablo come back for many more swingin' adventures. From its fantastic 2D platforming action to its rewarding collectibles and its adorable world to its quirky cast of characters; this delightful dog has it goin' on.